Tommy L. Anderson, 78, of Boonville, passed away peacefully on Sept. 12, 2017. He was preceded in death by his mother & step-father, Lauretta and Henry Wire and In-laws, Kenneth and Nera Barnhill. Tommy is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Billie Ellen; children, Tammy (Danny) Wi…

Mayor Charlie Wyatt stands with Michelle Johnson, the new Director of Operations at Quail Crossing and Darrell Conner, Director of Golf at Quail Crossing.

Boonville Mayor Charlie Wyatt

Standard photo/Wyatt Squires

Michelle Johnson speaks at a press conference Tuesday announcing Boonville's acquisition of Quail Crossing Golf Course. Johnson, who previously worked as a city employee, has been named the Director of Operations at the facility.

Director of Golf, Darrell Conner

Standard photo/Wyatt Squires

Keith Brannon of Evansville takes a swing while friends Mike Wendell of Newburgh and Randy Calvert of Evansville chat at Quail Crossing Golf Course in June.

Boonville finalizes golf course acquisition

Mayor Charlie Wyatt stands with Michelle Johnson, the new Director of Operations at Quail Crossing and Darrell Conner, Director of Golf at Quail Crossing.

Boonville Mayor Charlie Wyatt

Standard photo/Wyatt Squires

Michelle Johnson speaks at a press conference Tuesday announcing Boonville's acquisition of Quail Crossing Golf Course. Johnson, who previously worked as a city employee, has been named the Director of Operations at the facility.

Director of Golf, Darrell Conner

Standard photo/Wyatt Squires

Keith Brannon of Evansville takes a swing while friends Mike Wendell of Newburgh and Randy Calvert of Evansville chat at Quail Crossing Golf Course in June.

The City of Booville has put the final touches on the acquisition of Quail Crossing Golf Course.

Boonville announced the finalization Tuesday in a press conference. The final deal cost the city $600,000.

The city previously approved the issuing of bonds for $950,000 for the acquisition, equipment, improvements and other expenses incurred in the process of the acquisition.

The city announced that former city employee Michelle Johnson will be named the new director of operations at the course while Darrell Conner will be named the new director of golf.

Johnson said she is excited for the potential provided by the course. She said there is a lot of work to be done, but the city is ready to take on what needs to be done.

"There are things out here that are very easily changed," she said. "The great thing about the city of Boonville owning Quail Crossing is that ownership is now here local."

Conner said he has history with the course and is happy to have an opportunity to be involved in the processes at the facility where he has already spent a lot of time.

"I grew up playing this golf course," he said. "I have a lot of fond memories at this golf course and I'm very excited to see it get back to what it was when I was growing up."

Boonville Mayor Charlie Wyatt said the final papers were signed on Sept. 5. He said the city is now going to work on making changes and getting the course in working order. He said eight of the 18 greens have been closed for maintenance, but the city will continue to keep the course open and operational.

"We want to upgrade the facility to the position it once was years ago," he said.

Wyatt said there has been a lot of positive feedback about the acquisition. He said the goal is for the city to put in place personnel and then to look at potential upgrades.

see golf/page A2

"We're still in hiring mode," he said. "We have one position we haven't filled yet."

Wyatt said, with two other courses shut down in recent years, he believes Quail Crossing is in demand. He said as long as the course is open, the city should be able to bring in a profit from the course.

"If we're playable, we should reap the benefits," he said. "I think it's a quality facility. With the right management, it can be brought back to its former prominence in the tristate."

Wyatt said the city works to leave a good impression from every park in Boonville.

"We want to make sure when people walk away, they walk away with a positive experience," he said.

Wyatt said, with the help of consultants, the city is in position to use the opportunities available at the course. He said if people are concerned about the success of the course, they need to support it.

"I believe that the opportunity is wide open for us to be successful," he said. "To the citizens of Boonville, if you want to make it successful, come use our facility. Use our event center to meet your needs."

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